Can Yoga Help Reduce Cellulite

Yoga has long been an alternative form of therapy for a variety of health conditions, but can it effectively reduce the appearance of cellulite? Yoga helps to increase the metabolism and regulates hormones. Both of these aspects are crucial in the treatment of cellulite. This age-old Indian practice could be the solution for your cellulite problem.

The Many Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is a form of exercise that can a do a number of things for the body. It decreases fat and increases muscle mass. It helps reorganize the layer of lipids that forms the cellulite. It tones the body and improves circulation. When the metabolism is raised and circulation improves, cellulite naturally decreases.

Hormonal changes like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause often cause fluid retention in the body. This results in fat pockets developing under the surface of the skin (aka cellulite). Since Yoga deals with the underlying hormonal problems and regulates them, this will also prevent the development of future cellulite problems.

The postures used in Yoga, Pilates, and aerobics are very helpful to thinning out cellulite. Yoga also increases a person's flexibility. This helps the individual become more active and energetic and in turn burns calories and reduces body fat. When the muscles are lengthened and stretched, the fat cells around them begin to disappear.

One of the common "side effects" of cellulite is that a woman begins to have a very poor body image. The dimpling on her thighs and buttocks makes her feel self-conscious and ugly. Yoga is an exercise that is great for both body and mind. You will find your thoughts clearing and finish your exercises in a peaceful state of mind. This is helpful for improving your self-esteem.

Specific Yoga Exercises

The Yoga exercises that are the most beneficial for reducing cellulite (and hopefully, causing it to disappear permanently!) are listed below. They should be done in the order listed for optimum results.

1. Asana. Surya namaskara, sarvangasana, halasana, and mayurasana.
2. Pranayama. All types of pranayamas.
3. Mudra. Vipareeta karani mudra.
4. Shatkarma. Laghooshankhaprakshalana.

For the best results, it is also helpful to maintain a healthy cellulite diet if you want cellulite to permanently disappear and stay gone! This means reducing oily foods and sweets from your diet and eating lots of fruits and vegetables.

Compared to the many expensive cellulite treatments such as laser surgery, plastic surgery, mechanical massage treatments, injections, creams/lotions/gels, pills, and body wraps, Yoga is an incredibly inexpensive alternative. The benefits of Yoga are far-reaching for both the mind and body. You may be surprised to see not only see your cellulite disappear, but for your overall health to improve as well.